The American Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the most well known of the coonhounds.  They are a hunting and trailing breed, but most commonly used for treeing raccoons.  The American Black and Tan Coonhound is one of several breeds that was developed in the southern United States.
  
     The coloring of the American Black and Tan Coonhound are similar to the Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler, however aside from coloring they look nothing like these dogs.  They are muscular, heavy boned dogs that have a long tail and ears that extend to the tip of the nose.  This bred stands at 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 65 to 100 pounds.  Males are typically larger and weigh more than the females.  Another distinguishing feature of the American Black and Tan Coonhound is it loud baying bark.
  
     The history of the American Black and Tan coincides with the early history of the English Coonhound.  Breeds that contributed to its ancestry were the English Foxhound and the Bloodhound, the later contributing greatly to its coloring.  The American Black and Tan Coonhound was the first of the coonhounds to gain recognition, being admitted to the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1900.
   
    American Black and Tan Coonhounds are intelligent and loyal hunters, as well as companions.  They are eager to please and dedicated to any “job” they are given.  In the case of children they usually do best with children that are older, as they can tend to play tough.  This breed cannot be left off leash, as they tend to run after any interesting scent.  Some dogs may be aggressive to other canines they do not know.  You must not overfeed an American Black and Tan Coonhound, as they can easily become overweight.